Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1414667
42 I ICT TODAY ELEVATING CONNECTIVITY MAKES A CONNECTED BUILDING "SMART" The aforementioned features form the connective back- bone of a smart connected building. However, it is the large amount of data generated by the sensors embedded within every connected system that supports smart automation, if used properly. Today's in-building systems have the ability to collect more data leads and talk to more unrelated, yet inter- connected systems, than ever before. This means sensors created for one specific function can be utilized to drive other building systems. For example, a PoE lighting sensor, used to determine if a room is occupied and whether lights should therefore be turned on, can like- wise provide information through integration with other functions to trigger whether audiovisual components should be turned on. The sensor can also be used as a trigger for room scheduling availabilities. It is this granular information exchanged between systems at a specific zone level that enables better use of a particular space. This capability also extends to better overall use of the building as a whole. For instance, a sensor hosted inside a lighting fixture or luminaire can be tied to the HVAC system that controls temperature and humidity. This cost-effective symbiosis means that even when the lighting system is not using the sensor, it can still pass data on to the HVAC system to perform a specific action based on occupancy parameters, whether within a particular room or office zone. KEY AREAS THAT DYNAMICALLY ORCHESTRATE OFFICE BUILDING FUNCTIONS Before highlighting the key areas within a building where smart functionality is an ideal fit, it is important to point out the core features inherent to any smart building. According to trueoccupancy.com, every smart building has four things in common: 1. Core systems are connected and able to "talk" to one another. 2. Sensors are integral in the collection of data to inform resource allocation. 3. Information is gathered and analyzed in real time, constantly, to allow for course corrections and adjustments as needed. 4. The buildings generate a large amount of data. After knowing these common smart building features, what are the key areas where smart technology is most likely to be applied to dynamically orchestrate building function and positively impact building capabilities and operations? Fedtechmagazine.com outlines four key systems that get automated: 5 Today's in-building systems have the ability to collect more data leads and talk to more unrelated, yet interconnected systems, than ever before. This means sensors created for one specific function can be utilized to drive other building systems. • Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC): Smart controls help limit energy consumption in unoccupied or low-usage building zones, help determine faults, and reduce unnecessary HVAC usage. • Smart Lighting: Leverages daylighting as well as advanced occupancy and dimming functions to counteract under-lit and over-lit spaces. • Automated System Optimization (ASO): Uses advanced technology to collect and analyze building systems' operational and energy perfor- mance data. ASO also makes changes based on external factors, such as occupancy patterns, weather forecasts, and utility rates. • Distributed Energy Resources (DER): Energy generation and storage systems placed at or near the point of use, independent of the power grid.